Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase is a mixed area of countryside in the county of Staffordshire, England, located between Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford. It comprises a mixture of natural deciduous woodland, coniferous plantations, open heathland and the remains of early industry, such as coal mining. Despite being relatively small in area, the chase provides a remarkable range of landscape and wildlife, including a herd of around 800 fallow deer.
The Chase is home to a number of less-common and endangered birds, not least migrant Nightjars. A feeding station at the Marquis Drive Visitors' Centre, sponsored by the West Midland Bird Club, attracts many species, including Brambling, Yellowhammer and Bullfinch.
There are a number of visitor centres, museums and waymarked paths. Additionally, there are many unmarked public paths. Cannock Chase is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the smallest such area on the island of Great Britain.
On its north-eastern edge can be found Shugborough Hall, home of Lord Lichfield. At its southern edge are the remains of Castle Ring, a bronze age hill fort.
The Chase gives its name to the Cannock Chase local government district.
